m>>>
TO RETURN
TO A DIRECTORY, CLICK ONE OF THE CATEGORIES AT LEFT <<<
>>> IF THERE IS A PHOTO,
CLICK IT FOR A BIGGER VERSION <<<
by Nafanua Video & Still Photo/Brian Vitolio
Livi Afano led the Matafao Marlins to its second straight elementary flag football championship title as he had a hand in all of his teams points to beat the Leone Midkiff Cubs 18-0 last Saturday at Faga'alu Park.
Despite the score, it was a closely played game with only one touchdown scored until the last eight minutes of the match.
That first score was a 50-yard punt return for a touchdown by Afano with four minutes remaining in the first half.
A different player caught the punt and then ran a reverse to Afano. However, the ball carrier handed the ball to Afano in front and not backwards. The handoff went unnoticed, and Afano cruised to the end zone untouched with a host of blockers in front of him after the reverse fooled the Cubs.
With eight minutes remaining to play in the game, Afano picked off a pass and returned it back at least 30 yards for the score and a 12-0 Marlins lead.
Matafao picked off another desperation pass by Leone Midkiff and Afano, the team's quarterback and safety, connected with one of his receivers on a 30-yard touchdown reception to make up the game's final score.
The Marlins made it to the championship game by beating their opponent from last year's title match, Afonotele Chiefs, 19-18 in overtime during their quarterfinal match last Tuesday and then beat pool rival Coleman Eagles 19-14 on Thursday.
The Cubs beat Lauli'i 18-12 in the quarterfinals on Wednesday and then avenged a 12-6 seasonal loss to pool rival Lupelele by winning 14-12 in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Osini Faleatasi, Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.
>>> TO RETURN TO A DIRECTORY, CLICK ONE OF THE CATEGORIES AT LEFT <<<